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anonymous  August 23, 2007 5:40 PM

Thank you Marty and Debs.  Marty, I missed the part that you posted twice about the hypothyroidism.  sorry, I think that maybe what has happened to me.  My thyroid wasn't working right and now it is going back to normal and then with the diabetic meds caused the glucose to drop too fast too much. 

to both of you for your help.  Like I said earlier in the posts I have a dr. appointment on the 11th.  I will let you all know what is going on. 

Blessings and hugs to you both

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anonymous  August 23, 2007 5:10 PM

Thanks Debs!!!  Someone talking from experience is always so much more helpful...hugs  [report anonymous abuse]
 
Armour thyroid tablets August 23, 2007 4:51 PM

I just found a new doctor who will prescribe Armour thyroid tablets instead of levothyroxine, which was what everyone else insisted I take, and after one month I feel much better. I recommend it to anyone who has thyroid problems. I know my blood sugar was bouncing around as well and everything seems to have leveled off pretty well so far.  [ send green star]
 
anonymous  August 23, 2007 11:05 AM

Remember that once you started taking the pills for the thyroid it has reversed your hypo to more normal and I did read that in some instances that it can cause almost hyper symtons....but the best thing to do is to work closely with your doctor....I am so glad that you have at least leveled off and are not swinging so wildly with your levels

Did you read this...

Hypothyroidism. When your metabolism slows, your blood glucose level may drop because your diabetes medicine doesn’t pass through your body as quickly as usual and so stays active longer. In hypothyroidism, it is often necessary to reduce your dose of diabetes medicines to prevent low blood glucose.



This post was modified from its original form on 23 Aug, 11:06  [report anonymous abuse]
 
anonymous  August 23, 2007 10:57 AM

Marty, thanks.  But my problem, is the doctor told me I have Hypothyroidism along with type 2 diabetis.  Everything I have read plus what you posted states that if you have hyperthyroidism then you sugal levels should be lower but I am the opposite.  I have hypo and now my sugar level is leveling out without diabetic meds.  I couldn't take those along with the thyroid med.  the combination made my sugar drop too rapidly and too low then shoot right back up to the 200s.  Since I haven't taken the diabetic medications then my sugar has leveled. 

I know it it the opposite of what everything you posted and I have read.  I am one mixed up person right now. lol   Or the doctor told me wrong?  who knows, but I do know one thing since i have been taking the thryoid medication I have felt better than I have in a long time, except the daily pain from the fibromyalgia.  But atleast I am not so tired all the time.

Thanks for the help.  I have a doctors appointment on the 11th and we will see what the doctor says.  i will have to go in and get another blood test in a month or so.  They told me that they do the blood glucose and thyroid checks every three months until I have my sugar regulated to the normal range.

for the help and info. 

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anonymous From what I have read this morning... August 23, 2007 7:49 AM

Lisa...the thyroid pills are certainly effecting your absorption of your diabetic meds...your doctor was probably making an adjustment for this when he added the extra pill...as always, you really should be contacting your physician regarding these changes...it sounds as if anything to do with the adjustment of the thyroid hormone will effect your blood sugar  [report anonymous abuse]
 
anonymous  August 23, 2007 7:43 AM

Thyroid Disease and Diabetes Diabetes and thyroid disease are both endocrine, or hormone, problems. When thyroid disease occurs in someone with diabetes, it can make blood glucose control more difficult.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your lower neck just beneath your skin. It regulates your body’s metabolism, the processes of using and storing energy, by releasing a substance called thyroid hormone. If it produces too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism quickens (hyperthyroidism), too little and your body functions slow down (hypothyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

  • Pounding heart
  • Quick pulse
  • Increased sweating
  • Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
  • Shortness of breath when exercising
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle weakness or tremors
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Change in menstrual periods
  • Thick skin on the knees, elbows, and shins

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Sluggishness
  • Depression
  • Feeling of being cold even when others feel warm
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain unrelated to increase in eating
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow pulse

Effects on Diabetes

Hyperthyroidism. When your metabolism quickens, your medicines go through your body quicker. Your blood glucose level may rise because your usual dosage does not stay in your body long enough to control it.

Hyperthyroidism and low blood glucose can be hard to tell apart. If you are sweating and having tremors from hyperthyroidism, you may think you have low blood glucose and eat extra food, causing your blood glucose to rise. Using your glucose meter to verify low blood glucose levels can help you avoid this problem.

Hypothyroidism. When your metabolism slows, your blood glucose level may drop because your diabetes medicine doesn’t pass through your body as quickly as usual and so stays active longer. In hypothyroidism, it is often necessary to reduce your dose of diabetes medicines to prevent low blood glucose.

If You Think You Have Thyroid Disease

Tell your health care provider about any symptoms you have. A physical exam and simple blood tests can identify hyper- or hypothyroidism.

If you have hyperthyroidism, medicines and other treatments can help slow your metabolism by controlling the release of thyroid hormone. If you have hypothyroidism, your health care provider can prescribe thyroid hormone pills to speed up your metabolism. You will need follow-up blood tests every few months to adjust your dosage of thyroid hormone.

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anonymous  August 23, 2007 7:33 AM

Underlying Thyroid Disorders Can Impact

Diabetes Management

•

untreated thyroid disorders can affect how diabetes is managed.

Thyroid disorders can have a major impact on glucose control, and

•

with diabetes, and hyperthyroidism may worsen glucose tolerance

or control.

Hypothyroidism can decrease the insulin requirement in patients

•

common signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders are similar to

those for diabetes and can be overlooked or attributed to other

medical disorders. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are common in

patients with type 2 diabetes and symptoms of hyperthyroidism

may be attributed to poor diabetic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Underlying thyroid disorders may go undiagnosed because the

TSH Testing Is Recommended for People With

Diabetes

•

American Diabetes Association has recommended that people with

diabetes be tested for thyroid disorders. The TSH test, which measures

the amount of TSH being produced in the body, is the best test

of thyroid function.

Because of the link between diabetes and thyroid disease, the

•

of thyroid function. An elevated TSH level may indicate hypothyroidism;

a TSH level that is lower than normal may indicate hyperthyroidism.

A TSH test will give the physician knowledge regarding the extent  [report anonymous abuse]
 
anonymous  August 23, 2007 7:23 AM

Lisa...I found this info that might be helpful...let me know, ok?

How Thyroid Dysfunction May Affect Diabetic Patients
The presence of thyroid dysfunction may affect diabetes control. Hyperthyroidism is typically associated with worsening glycemic control and increased insulin requirements. There is underlying increased hepatic gluconeogenesis, rapid gastrointestinal glucose absorption, and probably increased insulin resistance. Indeed, thyrotoxicosis may unmask latent diabetes.

In practice, there are several implications for patients with both diabetes and hyperthyroidism. First, in hyperthyroid patients, the diagnosis of glucose intolerance needs to be considered cautiously, since the hyperglycemia may improve with treatment of thyrotoxicosis. Second, underlying hyperthyroidism should be considered in diabetic patients with unexplained worsening hyperglycemia. Third, in diabetic patients with hyperthyroidism, physicians need to anticipate possible deterioration in glycemic control and adjust treatment accordingly. Restoration of euthyroidism will lower blood glucose level.

Although wide-ranging changes in carbohydrate metabolism are seen in hypothyroidism, clinical manifestation of these abnormalities is seldom conspicuous. However, the reduced rate of insulin degradation may lower the exogenous insulin requirement. The presence of hypoglycemia is uncommon in isolated thyroid hormone deficiency and should raise the possibility of hypopituitarism in a hypothyroid patient. More importantly, hypothyroidism is accompanied by a variety of abnormalities in plasma lipid metabolism, including elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. Even subclinical hypothyroidism can exacerbate the coexisting dyslipidemia commonly found in type 2 diabetes and further increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Adequate thyroxine replacement will reverse the lipid abnormalities.

In young women with type 1 diabetes, there is a high incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Transient thyroid dysfunction is common in the postpartum period and warrants routine screening with serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 6­8 weeks after delivery. Glucose control may fluctuate during the transient hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism typical of the postpartum thyroiditis. It is important to monitor thyroid function tests in these women since approximately 30% will not recover from the hypothyroid phase and will require thyroxine replacement. Recurrent thyroiditis with subsequent pregnancies is common.

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anonymous I have a questin maybe someone can help.... August 23, 2007 6:00 AM

......Has anyone ever heard of your thyroid causing your sugar levels stay messed up?

The reason I am asking is because last month the dr told me I had hypothyroidism and started me on medication, he also added a new diabetic pill to go with the Actos I was taking.  But the porblem is I ran out of Actos and was only taking the new diabetic med along with my thyroid med.  My sugar dropped like a rocket but it wouldn't stablize.  It would go from nearly 300 down to the low to mid 90s.

I stopped all diabetic meds and only take my thyroid medications.  Since I did this my blood sugar level have stayed below 200 and regulated to a point.  My sugar usually runs between 120 to 170.  That is alot better than it used to be.  I can see better.  If my sugar gets below 135/140 I start feeling weird.  But that is ok for now it isn't too bad like it was running from 200 to over 600. 

Just wanted to know if anyone knew about the thyroid and diabetis.  I could not find anything thru my searching, hoping someone knows about this.

Thanks for the help.

Blessed Be

Lisa S. :>

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Sorry to hear about that Marty June 04, 2007 5:14 PM

I had that for years and the best thing I found was acupuncture and/or chiropractic care. Network chiropractic works the best for me, and acupuncture (with or without electrodes attached to the needles) is worth the money. I've been pain free for a couple of years now regarding the sciatica.  [ send green star]
 
anonymous  June 04, 2007 1:37 PM

Hi everyone!!!  I have hurt my back pretty badly...siatic nerve problems...I am standing to post in the groups; no sitting down for me...either in bed or standing is it....any suggestions as to what works for back pain would be appreciated...percocet is helping just a bit...    [report anonymous abuse]
 
anonymous  May 28, 2007 10:37 AM

Good day to you all!!!  Debs has been busy this morning adding some very helpful information, as she always does!!!  Big thank you to her!!!

Debbie...I am just happy that group members are coming in to share and ask questions.  Hugs right back to you...

I have started a new summertime recipe topic and hope that some of you will add some of your favorites...also, be sure to check-out the new menu and recipe topic...some everyday ideas for menus and for those special occasions....

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day!!! 



This post was modified from its original form on 28 May, 10:38  [report anonymous abuse]
 
Dear Marty May 28, 2007 10:19 AM

0tulipsDebbie.jpgThank you so much for all your help. Love, Debbie  [ send green star]
 
Hi A! May 28, 2007 8:12 AM

What is your diet like? Do you eat any spicy foods? I found a link to test kits - don't know if any serve your needs or not: http://www.ei-resource.org/tests.asp also, there is free blood test info from the Bloodmobile: http://www.bloodbook.com/test-result.html  [ send green star]
 
anonymous  May 27, 2007 9:42 AM

Anon...with my ex, was just regular cinnamon off the grocery store shelf...I used it in any dish that I could...oatmeal, french toast, baked sweet potato with about a half teaspoon added, stewed apples, yogurt, etc....

Here is a copy of one of the articles posted in the cinnamon topic....

Cinnamon Helps Stop
Type 2 Diabetes

By Mike Hodge


American scientists have claimed that a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes.

The common spice could help millions of sufferers of Type II, non-insulin dependent diabetes. This condition usually develops in middle-age and prematurely kills 100 million people around the world every year. Type II diabetes causes cells to lose their ability to respond to insulin, the hormone that tells the body to remove excess glucose in the bloodstream. If glucose builds up in the blood, tiredness, weight-loss and blurred vision are some of the resulting symptoms. In extreme cases this can lead to blindness, heart disease and premature death.

Data from the Agricultural Research Unit in Maryland was first published in the New Scientist in August 2000. The researchers found that cinnamon rekindled the ability of fat cells in diabetics to respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose removal. It is believed that a substance in cinnamon called MHCP is the main reason for its beneficial results.

When mice were given MHCP, their glucose levels fell dramatically and tests on humans have begun this year. The researchers are so confident that cinnamon will have the same dramatic effect of reducing insulin tolerance in humans they recommend that type II diabetics should take a quarter to one full teaspoon of cinnamon per day.

Many Type II diabetics have already found a new feeling of well-being and improvement in health by using this simple cinnamon supplementation in their diet. Cinnamon has long been known as an "energizing" spice, and it is likely that increasing the intake of this common and cheaply available food will benefit even non-diabetics, if used as a daily energizing tonic.

The insulin resistance that leads to type II diabetes develops relatively slowly as the body ages and even those who have not yet experienced severe symptoms may have some degree of elevated insulin resistance.

Cinnamon is also a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining bone density, electrolyte balance, certain enzyme functions and many other crucial biochemical processes. Magnesium is also linked to the more dramatic forms of diabetes that occur earlier in life.

Much research has been carried out to establish a metabolic defect in diabetics that prevents the absorption of magnesium. As cinnamon provides a readily available source of MHCP, magnesium and possibly other beneficial substances it seems like a very cost-effective way of offsetting future health problems related to glucose/insulin imbalances as we grow older.

Cinnamon can be bought inexpensively in a convenient powdered form at almost any food shop and taking it couldn't be easier: just use up to a teaspoon a day in milkshakes or fruit juice.

I personally take a half-teaspoon daily in this way every morning and can confirm a distinct energy benefit. Diabetics should always inform their doctor before taking cinnamon as it may affect medication requirements.

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anonymous re: Talk May 27, 2007 9:30 AM

Hello again, this in anon to say "thanks" to Marty for her reply to my previous comment.  Marty, et al, I have read and heard  a lot  about cinnamon helping BGL , mostly from internet "remedy" sites selling  some expensive cinnamon product or  capsules. Does ordinary grocery-store shelf powdered  cinnamon  work? If so, how much, exactly, is taken per dose, daily? A teaspoonful? Tablespoonful?... more? How exactly is it used? Is it mixed into a shake with a low or non-sugar drink in a blender, or added to a tea or other beverage, or taken by itself ? I'd appreciate a  basic "recipe".

Regarding the water treatment, I agree with A. in  trying what's best or seems right to each individual, but in my case, I am thirsty all the time and would certainly "drown" if I drank water each and every time I was thirsty...sometimes we  diabetics can't tell what's best for our bodies merely by the signals it's sending us. Electrolyte imbalances are particularly an area of interest for me--if anyone out there has any  reliable method of judging this at home , instead of continued blood tests at the doctor's office--I'd sure like to hear about that. I TRY to keep in sync with water intake, diet, particular attention to BGL's, etc. , and getting enough potassium, but there has to be some way to judge when things are out of whack prior to the obvious serious symptoms  that occur which necessitate an ER visit. By the time one is feeling weak, & too tired to get out of bed, and other of the dire symptoms, there has to be some way to regulate  and monitor better, at home, with some dietary measure or something. Anyone have any ideas ? I have yet to hear of a home blood test for electrolyte levels. Is there such a thing? Best wishes and good health to all---anon.

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anonymous Good Morning May 27, 2007 9:06 AM

Hope others will join in!!!  I am a big water drinker because several years ago I had kidney stones...my urologist advised me to drink plain water....so anything to keep from having that pain again..also, he advised me not to get to the point of being thirsty...said it is too late then....I agree with Debs that moderation is usually the best...sometimes we get carried away.

Picture 53582.jpg 

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In Ayurveda... May 27, 2007 7:04 AM

diabetes is recognized as an imbalance of the water metabolism of the body...be careful with this kind of treatment - you have to know what you are doing!! and should not be tried without proper guidance! While it is true that most people do not drink enough water (and many ills could be prevented if they did) too much water can also have adverse effects, including damaging your kidneys. Alternatively, water therapy has been used for thousands of years in the successful treatment of ailments, either in spas or the use of hot/cold compresses. Again, there is a method to be followed in this kind of treatment. As in all things, moderation is the key. Listen to your body...it can tell you what you need! Not only do you need to be properly hydrated, but you need the right electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, etc. There is a lot of conflicting information out there - what works for one person will not work for someone else - everyone is different..if it works for you, use it. People can make all kinds of recommendations, but you are ultimately the one who knows what is best for you.  [ send green star]
 
Just this week May 27, 2007 6:37 AM

I have been advised to drink a big jug of water a day by the nurse when I went for a BP check. I began a calcium channel blocker for BP and the nurse said I should more drink water for this reason but maybe she has heard about the water thing. Has anyone else been drinking more water and what effect has it had?  [ send green star]
 
anonymous  May 26, 2007 12:38 PM

Anon...what great ideas you have brought forth!!!  I would love for group members to post regarding their problems, coping with family and emotional problems, etc.   Please feel free to start topics...and like anon who must feel a little uncomfortable coming-out publicly...it is fine to post anonymous....if you feel freer doing that, we welcome it....

i added a topic on water consumption and the health benefits associated with its consumption just this week....also, there are several topics regarding some natural ways of helping to control blood sugar levels.....I vouch for cinnamon as I watched its effects on my ex husband's bs levels.  

Once again...I would love to have another cohost.....one who has diabetes...I do the best I can to find information, news and recipes but not having the disease leaves me with a lack of day to day knowledge of the problems and needs associated with the disorder....HELP????     

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anonymous Talking May 26, 2007 9:18 AM

Yes I agree  Let's all TALK. How about a topic posted about what you all are doing  specifically in regard to  easing some of the  diabetes side effects  by diet  and a nutritional approach alone?  What are you doing, Is it working? Is anyone staying very , very strict in their diet and don't see improvement ,even though the medics tell us that's exactly what we MUST do? Maybe a topic like "My  diabetes management story", whether it's a success or not could be posted. Let's all help each other by sharing what we are all doing  and how we are coping  in changing our lifestyles,  following nutritional guidelines, etc.  How about someone posting their experience with diet and simultaneous taking of prescribed diuretics, which in my experience, mess up my system to an unending  nightmare of yo -yo weight gain/loss that seems to cause yet more symptoms the docs attribute to diabetes ( renal failure). Here's a start: I read recently about an MD who claims that diabetes can be eliminated by merely drinking "Tons" of water--- that diabetes is just  a "state of dehydration", (that we aren't  consciously aware of), and drinking H2O at 2 gallons per day is the new nutritional breakthrough. ...that we are just being fooled by the pharmaceutical companies that we have a metabolic disorder, so's they can sell their billions upon billions of insulin ,  & new "control" meds, and all the associated  B G L kits &  paraphenalia. I would like to see member's stories concerning whether they read that MD's  alleged research findings ,  recommendations, and tried it. I did, for a week, and all it did for me was cause fluid retention and increased neuropathy. What about topics posted entitled   " Members Reactions  and experiences  with non-traditional Western Medicine /diet & nutritional treatments"?  As I understand it, certain Non-Western Countries have  many, many  hundreds of thousands less  than US  diabetes incidence . I've read  persons diagnosed  with diabetes   need to eliminate our Western approach to nutrition  entirely.  Some say we should all become vegans. Let's  have dialog exchanged among us all  about information we've read elsewhere and any different nutritional approaches any of us have tried. We can all share our personal stories  and I for one would benefit  by that sort of  more personal element  added to this group. Oh by the way I enjoy all the information posted here  especially the current recipes posted. Is anyone else out there having a problem with their family sabotaging efforts to bring more healthy nutritional guidelines into the home? How are you getting your kids to  eat more nutritionally when  even the schools '  'lunch programs' feed them  junk ? If diabetes is indeed  partially genetic then I'm worried about the kids...they don't need added dis-incentives, especially with all the racks and racks and aisle upon aisles   of candy  and snacks the markets (and  snack commercials) foist upon them.

Are there any members out there who are sick and tired of the doctors  always harping about weight? It seems none of them  must know any "thin" diabetics or something!!!  A 10 percent weight loss in  a  "normal weight", slender,  or an anorectic diabetic could kill him/her! It's as if all  docs think  that we who are a bit overweight just sit around eating cookies all day and sit on our duffs watching TV!

Ok I'll be looking for some personal stories about how members are doing and how they're using the info and all from this group.

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anonymous  April 21, 2007 11:09 AM

After reading Donna's post in the welcome thread, it made me realize that everyone here probably has a story...please come in and share what your life is like living with diabetes....it might help someone else...

Also, if any of you would like a topic where you can keep a personal type blog regarding your daily life regarding coping, your levels, doctors visits, etc., please feel free to start your own topic...

As many of you know, I am not a diabetic, but my father was, his mother, and my mother was borderline at one point until she changed her eating habits and lost weight.  My ex husband, who has diabetes, was the reason I initially joined this group...I continue to have a great interest in helping others with diabetes and that is the reason that I took over ownership of the group when Anjee left care2.  

Debs is doing a great job as one of our cohost, but she and I would welcome another hosts....any volunteers???    

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anonymous Group members...let's talk, ok March 17, 2007 9:11 AM

or afternoon!!!  Hope everyone has a great weekend...if you get a chance please stop by to say hello, ask a question, or just let us know how you are doing and what is going on with YOU...   [report anonymous abuse]
 
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